Fluid flow energy converter

ABSTRACT

A novel oscillator comprises a curved sheet structure. The curved sheet structure comprises a curved sheet and a tensioner. The curved sheet structure oscillates when the tensioner of the curved sheet structure is extended between two rigidly or semi rigidly fixed points and the curved sheet structure is exposed to a fluid flow. The oscillation results in oscillating tension in the tensioner and oscillating motion of the tensioner in directions perpendicular and parallel to the direction of fluid flow. Energy conversion devices to couple the energy out of the oscillator include a coupling in line with the tensioner and a coupling generally perpendicular to the extension of the tensioner.

This application claims priority to and incorporated by reference theentirety of the disclosures of U.S. provisional patent application61/585,558 filed Jan. 11, 2012, titled “FLUID FLOW ENERGY CONVERTER” andU.S. provisional patent application 61/594,707 filed Feb. 3, 2012,titled “FLUID FLOW ENERGY CONVERTER.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to energy conversion and power generation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is an ongoing desire to convert energy in wind and water flow intousable energy, typically electrical energy. Shawn Frayne has disclosedoscillations in membranes used for energy conversion including a varietyof mechanisms for energy conversion of the oscillations of the membrane.See PCT publication WO2008151008 titled “Energy Converters UtilizingFluid-induced Oscillations,” the teachings of which are incorporatedherein by reference. In particular, the mechanisms for convertingoscillating motion to electrical energy noted therein are generallyapplicable to the oscillator inventions noted below. David Labrecque hasdisclosed a rotating wing system for energy conversion, which usesoscillations in the length of a tensioning line for energy conversion.See US patent application publication 20090285668, the teachings ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. The mechanism for usingoscillations in the length in the tensioning line therein to generateenergy are generally applicable to the oscillator inventions notedbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Novel Oscillator

I disclose a novel oscillator which may be driven to oscillate by fluidflow, and mechanisms to couple the energy out of the oscillator. Thenovel oscillator comprises a curved sheet structure. The curved sheetstructure comprises a curved sheet and a tensioner. The curved sheetstructure oscillates when the tensioner of the curved sheet structure isextended between two rigidly or semi rigidly fixed points and the curvedsheet structure is exposed to a fluid flow field 11. The curved sheetstructure oscillates in three dimensions, in a fundamental mode having aspatial wavelength of substantially twice the distance between the twofixed points, P, with that mode shown for the front edge of the curvedsheet structure in FIGS. 2A, 2B. Referring to FIG. 1, energy istransferred from the fluid flow field 30 to the curved sheet structure14. Curved sheet structure 14 comprises curved sheet 20 and tensioner ortensioning line 10. Tension in the tensioner varies periodically withthe frequencies of the oscillation. The tensioner 10 is under tensionduring oscillation and moves periodically in the X and Y directions.These periodic motions and tensions may be coupled to energy conversiondevice 30 to extract energy from the oscillator.

Energy Conversion Device Coupling

One class of the energy conversion devices 30 couples to the tensionalong tensioner 10 at a point P in which case the point P does notconstrain the tensioner along the direction of tension. For example, apulley may be located at point P or a spring containing device connectedto an end of tensioner 10 at point P. As the tension periodicallyvaries, the motion is converted by the energy conversion device 30 touseful energy.

Another class of energy conversion devices 30 rely upon the forceapplied by movement of the tensioner in the X and Y direction, to acoupling connected to the tensioner at a non zero distance from thefixed point P.

Another class of energy conversion devices 30 converting the tension atfixed point P to electrical voltage using a piezo electric transducer(with extremely small variations in the length of the piezo electricmaterial along the direction of tension in the tensioner 10.

Curvature of the Curved Sheet

The curvature in the curved sheet damps all modes of oscillation in thecurved sheet structure except for the mode indicated by positions of thetensioner 10 a different times, shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B. This curvature isthe curvature that exists in the curved sheet when the fluid flow fieldis zero. Preferably, this curvature exists when the curved sheet isunder zero stress from gravity, fluid flow, and tension in thetensioner. Note specifically, the sheet structure, in the form of asheet or web, has minimal resistance to bending moments out of the planeand therefore a curvature present in absence of all external forces mybe deformed by the presence of gravity, for example in the case wheregravity forced the sheet onto the ground.

Curvature along a direction, at a point in a sheet herein refers to theinverse of the radius, R, of curvature, of the curve at that pointdefined by that direction. Magnitude of curvature of a curve is 1/R.Direction of a curvature vector points from the sheet towards the originof the circle defined by the curvature.

At substantially all points of a major surface of the curved sheetstructure, curvature along all directions in the surface of the sheetpoint in the same direction relative to the curved sheet, either awayfrom the curved sheet, or into the curved sheet. That is, the curvaturehas the same sign or direction over substantially all of the sheet. Thatis, there are substantially no inversions or saddle points in thecurvature of the sheet. Exceptions where points of the sheet haveopposite signs of curvature or saddle points may exist in relativelysmall (compared to the surface area of curved sheet) regions, as aconsequence of manufacturing processes providing curvature, orimperfections in such processing. Generally, more than 50 percent of thesurface area of a curved sheet structure must have curvature pointingaway from the same side of the sheet in order for a fluid flow to inducethe preferred mode oscillation in the curved sheet structure.Preferably, more than 70 percent, and more preferably more than 80percent, have curvature pointing away from the same side of the sheet.This curvature condition exists when the sheet is installed in aoscillator with appropriate tension applied to the tensioner. Thiscurvature condition normally also exists when the curved sheet structureis under zero stress, except for situations in which the application oftension to the tensioner is the cause of some or all of the curvature.

Extent of the Curved Sheet Between Fixed Points

The curved sheet must extend along a substantial length between the twofixed or substantially fixed points, for the curved sheet structure tooscillate. It must extend at least 30 percent of the length between thetwo fixed or substantially fixed points for oscillation to occur.Preferably, the curved sheet extends at least 60 percent of the lengthbetween the two fixed or substantially fixed points. More preferably,the curved sheet extends at least 80 percent of the length between thetwo fixed or substantially fixed points. Most preferably, the curvedsheet extends more than 90 percent, and preferably over the entirelength between the two fixed or substantially fixed points.

Description of the Oscillating Motion Curved Sheet Structure

During oscillation of the curved sheet structure, the trailing edge ofthe curved sheet trails in the Y direction of FIGS. 1-2. The tensioner10 defines the leading edge of the curved sheet structure. Thissituation exists until the tensioner reaches one of its two extrema(+Ymax and −Ymax as shown in FIG. 2A) position along the Y direction.Close in time to when the tensioner reaches +Ymax and begins to moveoscillate back to −Ymax, the curvature of the curved sheet inverts andswitches direction from which it points away from the sheet.Consequently, fluid flow force applied along the Y direction to thecurved sheet structure switches sign every half oscillation along the Ydirection, providing positive feedback and transferring energy from thefluid flow to the oscillator.

FIG. 1 is a simplified view to explain the workings and constraints uponthe novel oscillator. The existence of two fixed points constraining anend of the tensioner to be immobile is not essential and not present inmany of the energy conversion device alternatives. The rectangular shapeof curved sheet 20 is not preferred. Preferably, the edge of the curvedsheet 20 has no sharp angles and no right angles. The two location wherethe edge of the curved sheet 20 connects to the tensioner preferablyeach have an angle relative to the extension of the tensioner of lessthan 90 and preferably less than 60, and more preferably less than 30degrees. Preferably, the trailing edge of the curved sheet 20 issmoothly curved so that there are no abrupt transitions because it isdifficult to induce suitable curvature in regions near abrupttransitions.

FIGS. 1 and 2 do not show the curvature in the curved sheet structure20. A relatively small magnitude of curvature, as noted below, issufficient to enable oscillation in the single mode noted above. FIG. 5illustrates in three dimensions the curved sheet structure when nostress is applied thereto. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment illustrating onemeans to modify a flat sheet to impart curvature to form the curvedsheet.

FIGS. 1 and 2 do not show a coupling mechanism coupling conversiondevice 30 to the tensioner 10. Various couplings and conversion devices30 are shown in FIGS. 7-11, 19-20, 25, and 27. In some of thesestructures, such as in FIGS. 8 and 20, one of the fixed points P isreplaced by a movable point or pulley and coupled to a spring whose farend is then coupled to a fixed point. Such couplings could replace oneor both fixed points, P. Hence connection of the tensioner to one ormore rigidly fixed points is not essential for transfer of energy out ofthe curved sheet structure.

The energy converter 30 converts the oscillations in position or tensionof the tensioner 10 into one of: reciprocating linear motion; circularmotion; or voltage and current. Oscillation substantially in thefundamental mode facilitates efficient and reliable energy conversion byresulting in oscillating motion in the X and Y directions of thetensioner 10 and oscillating tension in the tensioner 10.

The fundamental mode provides for periodic motion of the sheet in whichsubstantially all of the sheet executes a periodic motion having thefollowing characteristics. The leading edge oscillates in a sidewaysdirection, which sideways direction is (1) perpendicular to the fluidflow and (2) perpendicular to a line connecting the two fixed points.The leading edge oscillates in the sideways direction such that at onetime all of the leading edge is displaced to a first side of a lineextending through the two fixed points, in this sideways direction. Ahalf period later, the leading edge is displaced to the second side,opposite the first side, of the line extending through the two fixedpoints, in this sideways direction.

This fundamental mode has a frequency of oscillation in the Y directionof FIGS. 1, 2, which increases with increasing tension in the tensioner,and which increases with increasing fluid velocity.

Constraints Affecting Modes of Oscillation, Shape, Stiffness, Dimensions

Constraints affect the modes of oscillation in a sheet exposed to fluidflow. One constraint is the shape of the leading edge of the curvedsheet. If the leading edge of the curved sheet is convex, then thecenter region of the center region of the leading edge of the curvedsheet may deform under pressure from the fluid and fold back along theremainder of the sheet, thereby frustrating oscillation in a singlemode. If the leading edge of the sheet is convex (when under no stress)and the leading edge is mechanically coupled to the tensioner, thentension in the tensioner induces stress along the direction of tension,in the curved sheet near the tensioner, changing the curvature of thecurved sheet. Observation shows that tension in the tensioner in suchstructures tends to reduce curvature near the leading edge or the curvedsheet.

A relatively large stiffness to bending in the curved sheet, will tendto damp out period oscillations along the direction of fluid flow, inthe sheet. Those oscillations tend to have different frequencies thanthe period preferred mode noted above and are undesirable. Shorteningthe extent of the curved sheet in the dimension parallel to thedirection of fluid flow eliminates longer wavelength and lower frequencymodes of oscillation in the sheet along the direction of fluid flow.Relatively long extension of the curved sheet between the leading edgeand trailing edge is desirable because that provides relatively largersheet area over which fluid flow energy can be converted to oscillationenergy.

Increasing the length of extension of the sheet between the two fixedpoints increases the wavelength of the preferred fundamental mode andreduces the frequency of that mode, and increases the number of allowedmodes of oscillation in any frequency or wavelength range, for standingwave oscillations along the direction between the two fixed points.Increasing tension in the tensioner tends to damp the higher orderoscillations along the front edge. Once the preferred fundamental modebuilds up significant amplitude, other modes along the leading edgebecome energy forbidden due to the preferred fundamental mode's inducedcurvature in the tensioner and the constraint that the curved sheet iscoupled to the tensioner.

Oscillations along the trailing edge of the sheet are substantially notconstrained by the tension in the leading edge. Oscillations in thetrailing edge tend to prevent energy buildup in the preferred mode notedabove. The longer the extension of the sheet between the two fixedpoints, the higher the tensile strength required in the tensionermaterial (such as rope, cable, chain, or single fiber), which meansincreased mass and stiffness in the tensioner. Preferably, the tensioner10 is more elastic material, such as polymer rope instead of chain.

Energy Considerations and Damping in Curved Sheets

In order to dampen oscillations in all non fundamental modes of thesheet, every point of the sheet should be curved in two independentdirections. The shape of such a curved sheet approximates the shape of ahalf clam shell, that is curvature along a curve from leading edge totrailing edge, and curvature along a curve from bottom side to top side,with both curvatures pointing away from the same side of the curvedsheet.

A result of a curvature in the curved sheet is that the lowest energystate of the curved sheet under stress induced by fluid flow exists whenall regions of the sheet have the same sign of curvature, that is, thecurvature points away from the same side of the sheet at all points ofthe sheet. Inverting the curvature to the exact opposite at every pointhas the same energy state and so those two energy states are degenerate.All energy states in which some region of the curved sheet has curvaturepointing away from the opposite side of the sheet are higher energystates because it costs energy in the form of stress in the curvedsheet. Consequently, curvature of the same sign throughout the curvedsheet damps oscillations in the sheet parallel above the fundamentalmode oscillation. A result of the damping oscillations of the higherorder modes is that the length of a sheet exhibiting substantialoscillations in the preferred fundamental mode is unlimited.

If the curvature in the curved sheet along the direction from theleading edge to the trailing edge maintains the same sign independent ofphase of oscillation in the fundamental mode, then the fundamental modewould dampen out. The sheet must have sufficient flexibility so that thecurvature in this direction flips sign during fundamental modeoscillation. Symmetry and energy arguments noted above indicate that thesign of curvature in both direction switch sign substantiallyconcurrently. In order for the curvature in the curved sheet to invert,the middle and trailing edges of the sheet must be elastic enough, thatis have low enough Young's modulus. That condition is satisfied forcurved sheets because the energy required to invert the curvature is notgreater than the energy to stretch the sheet flat. The energy densityper sheet volume required to flatten the sheet is ½ Young's modulustimes strain squared. The pressure applied against by a fluid againstthe sheet is a function of the fluid flow density and velocity.Specifically, one half the fluid density times the square of thevelocity times a shape factor. The shape factor depends upon the anglebetween the wind velocity direction and normal to the opposing region ofthe curved sheet and is of order 1. Sheet volume decreases withdecreasing sheet width and accordingly selecting a thin enough sheetenables curvature to switch at a given fluid and fluid velocity.Likewise, increasing the velocity overcome resistance to switching ofany particular sheet with pressure scaling as the square of themagnitude of the fluid velocity. Experiments using various polymer basedsheets having areas ranging from about one hundredth of a square meterto a few square meters and sheet material having a thickness of a fewthousandths of an inch to a about a hundredth of an inch, and variouscurvatures in the sheet, resulting in a cutoff wind velocity below whichoscillation would not occur being on the order of a few tenths to about2 miles per hour. In other words, oscillation occur over a wide range ofsheet configurations and wind velocities for conventional sheetmaterials. Young's modulus for sheet materials contemplated for thesheets of this invention are in the range of about 0.01 to 10.0 GigaPascals (about 1500 to about 1,400,000 pounds per square inch). Thesesheet materials include but are not limited to rubber; Teflon;polyethylenes; polypropylenes; polystyrenes; rayons; and nylons.

The tensioner 10 may be formed from rope of any composition, singlestrand polymer, or chain links. The tensioner should be selected towithstand tension anticipated to exist in the tensioner duringoscillation. Safety release latch mechanism, that release the tensionerfrom one of the fixed points in case of excess tension, may be used toavoid excessive tension that might damage the tensioner.

Methods of Forming Curved Sheets

Curved sheets of the invention may be formed in a variety of ways. Acurved sheet may be woven or extruded or molded. A flat sheet may haveangled sections, that is sections having “V” shapes or shapes similar to“V” shapes with curvature added to one or both sides of the “V” shape,cut out of the trailing edge, and then the opposing edge where the “V”shape was removed connected. The “V”s or folds are designed to providethe curvature noted above. Connection may be by sewing, plasticizing,melting, glueing, or the like. Various pinches, causing folds in thesheet may be formed, and constrained to remain in the folded shape.Folds may be along any direction in the sheet. Alternatives to folds arering pulls in which all sheet material in a small region is pulledtogether and constrained or removed from the sheet inducing radialstrain about the center of the ring, in nearby regions of the sheet.

Fluid Oscillator Comparative Data

In an actual test device (herein below C1) exhibiting oscillationsubstantially in the preferred fundamental mode: the sheet length alongthe leading edge was 130 inches; the leading edge was substantiallystraight; the trailing edge formed a crescent such that the center ofthe trailing edge was 16 inches from the center of the leading edge, andthe trailing edge was convex; 1.8 inches was pinched and folded out ofthe trailing edge, distributed at 3 pinch locations along the trailingedge; and one half as much (under 1 inch) was pinched and folded halfwayfrom between the leading edge and trailing edge distributed at the 3locations at the same positions along the sheet as the trailing edgefolds; the sheet was formed from rip stop type nylon having a thicknessof 0.003 inches (0.00008 meters), a center thickness of 16 inches. FIG.5 shows the shape of the curved sheet in plane view; the sheet pinch orfold locations are identified as 51 to 56. That provided for a maximumstrain along the rear edge for curvature inversion of 1.5/130=0.01. Thetensioning line was formed from hemp rope having a pinched diameter of0.05 inches. Pinching removed air space between fibers of the rope. This0.5 inch diameter is greater than 10 times as thick and about 16 timesas thick, as the sheet. The leading edge of the sheet was formed bywrapping one half inch of the sheet material over the hemp line andsecuring the wrap to the opposing surface of the sheet with duct tape.The duct tape had a width of 2 inches. Duct tape is an adhesive tapethat will stick upon application of pressure, and has fibers embedded init to increase its strength. One quarter inch of the wrapped sheet wascontacted with the duct tape and the remaining 1.75 inches of thediameter of the duct tape contacted the opposing surface of the sheetextending from the wrap to the trailing edge. In this manner the hempwas secured inside the leading edge in a passageway extending the lengthof the sheet. Each pinched fold was secure on both side of the sheetwith about a 2 inch by 2 inch sheet of duct tape. Duct tape secured thehemp rope in extended form at each end of the passageway, to prevent thesheet from slipping toward the middle of the hemp rope and crunching upduring fluid flow. The hemp rope at a distance of about 4 inches fromthe top end of the sheet was secured to the end of a 12 foot aluminumpole.

Prior to adding the pinched folds, the foregoing device was tested foroscillations. First, in uniform fluid flow of up to a few miles per hour(due to wind, and running with the pole). Second, while twirling thepole such that the distant top end moved in circular motionsubstantially faster than the bottom end. Both types of tests wereconducted with varying amounts of tension and varying displacement ofthe bottom end of the tensioning line from the pole. No uniform periodoscillation along the leading edge was detectable under the followingtwo conditions. Results: It did not oscillate substantially in thepreferred mode. Instead, conventional aerodynamic flutter with mixedmodes and no coherent motion along the length of the filter wasobserved.

After adding the three pinched folds only to the trailing edge (FIG. 5:52, 54, 56), the foregoing device was tested for oscillations. First, inuniform fluid flow of up to a few miles per hour (due to wind, andrunning with the pole). Second, while twirling the pole such that thedistant top end moved in circular motion substantially faster than thebottom end. Both types of tests were conducted with varying amounts oftension and varying displacement of the bottom end of the tensioningline from the pole. The device oscillated partially in the preferredfundamental mode noted above in all instances. However, the trailingedge was oscillating at a higher frequency than the leading edge. Someoscillating forces were felt by the hand holding the tensioning line atthe bottom of the device.

After adding both the three pinched folds to the trailing edge (FIG. 5:52, 54, 56) and the other three pinched folds midway between thetrailing and leading edges (FIG. 5: 51, 53, 55), the foregoing devicewas tested for oscillations. First, in uniform fluid flow of up to a fewmiles per hour (due to wind, and running with the pole). Second, whiletwirling the pole such that the distant top end moved in circular motionsubstantially faster than the bottom end. Both types of tests wereconducted with varying amounts of tension and varying displacement ofthe bottom end of the tensioning line from the pole. The deviceoscillated substantially in the preferred fundamental mode noted abovein all instances. Very strong oscillating forces were felt by the handholding the tensioning line at the bottom of the device. This includedduring the twirling tests in which wind speed at the top of the pole wasgreater than wind speed at the bottom of the pole, which means that thedamping of other modes of oscillation was effective over a largedifferential in wind velocity along the length of the sheet.

It should be noted that this 130 inch long sheet device was constructedto test the scaling to large size after fabrication and testing of manysmaller devices. The earlier smaller devices indicated the existence ofoscillations in the preferred fundamental mode for sheets of any length(from a few centimeters to a couple feet long in the fluid flowdirection and for the airs speeds of about 3-10 miles per hour(generated by a set of 4 vertically stacked box fans). These earliersmaller devices indicated a preferred length from leading to trailingedge of about 12 centimeters resulted in the greatest oscillations inthe preferred mode of oscillation. These earlier devices extendedbetween the fixed points separated by approximately 5 feet. All of these5 foot devices oscillated in the preferred fundamental mode, except forthose having a convex leading edge. Including one device made fromopposing pieces of 2 inch thick duct tape and hemp rope. Other materialsincluding Kevlar, rayons, and the like, were tested for existence offlutter, and all except the stiffest materials exhibited flutter in the3-10 mph wind. Existence of flutter is an indication of suitability ofthe sheet material for the devices noted above.

Subsequent to the 5 foot devices, a few 9-10 foot devices and 130 inchdevices were tested. These devices had various dimensions. Only thedevices with a non convex front surface, and with crimps along at leastthe trailing edge oscillated in the preferred fundamental mode.

Several of the oscillators were hooked up to mechanical to electricalconversion devices including a magnet, a coil, and in some instances adiode bridge, shunt resistor, and photodiode for display. One couplingincluded a metal rod having one end taped to near the bottom fixed pointof the tensioning rope, a magnet connected to the rod, and the rodextending horizontally traversing the coil. The rod was rotatablycoupled to the tensioning line in that it could swivel about thetensioning line. The magnet oscillated in space back and forth at theopening of the coil, resulting in several volts periodically beinggenerated, as read on an oscilloscope. This connection allowing the rodto swivel allowed both points, P, to remain fixed, and therefore,periodicity of the induced electromotive force was not changed due tothis coupling. Another energy conversion device included a spring havingone end connected to the ground fixed point, and the other end connectedto a magnet assembly, and the magnet assembly tied to the bottom end ofthe tensioning rope. This mechanism was less preferred because, inaddition to the up and down oscillations, the magnet banged of the sidesof the coil due to the sideways and fluid flow directions of oscillationof the tensioning rope. Several other energy conversion devices arenoted in the cited publications. Only novel devices are specified in thedrawing in this application.

One oscillator device with a relatively large concave front edge (130inch long device) failed to oscillate in the preferred fundamental mode.This device was had a substantial convex curve to the leading edgebefore application of tension to the leading edge via the tensioningline. It appears that this device failed to oscillate becauseapplication of tension to the tensioning line along the leading edge,that is the front surface of the curved sheet device, resulted in slackin the rear surface. Slack in the rear surface is contrary to therequirement for positive curvature for filtering out other than thepreferred fundamental mode.

One 9-10 foot device having a straight trailing edge, a straight leadingedge, and a depth between leading and trailing edges of about 12centimeters, oscillated in the preferred fundamental mode. However, itappeared that some of the higher order modes along the trailing edge maynot have been entirely suppressed. This device had 3 small folds in thetrailing edge. These folds were about 0.2 inches, each. In this deviceaddition of folds result in changes in the curvature of the sheet underzero strain. The initially straight front edge became convex therebypreventing oscillations when no tension was applied to the leading edge.Substantial tension had to be applied to the front edge to overcome thefront edge concave curvature's damping of the preferred mode. It may bethat this excessive front edge tension required to initiate oscillationsin the preferred mode in the leading edge contributed to the failure ofcomplete damping of trailing edge non preferred oscillations.

Observations show that the leading edge of the sheet performs periodicoscillation in both the sideways direction, and in the direction offluid flow, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The frequency of theoscillation in the direction of fluid flow (direction X in FIGS. 1-2) istwice the frequency of oscillation in the sideways directionperpendicular to the direction of fluid flow and perpendicular to a lineextending between the two fixed points (direction Y in FIGS. 1-2). Eachpoint along the leading edge executes a path forming a deformed figure“8” shape, as shown in FIG. 3. The figure “8” path has twice as manymaxima along the direction of fluid flow as along the directionperpendicular to fluid flow, over any extended period of time. Theoscillations along the direction perpendicular to fluid flow (Ydirection, FIGS. 1-2) are generally substantially larger than theoscillations along the direction of fluid flow (X direction, FIGS. 1-2).However, the oscillations in the direction of fluid flow may also beused for energy conversion for example to couple a rack and pinion toone another only during motion towards one side of the oscillation inmotion along the sideways direction (e.g., FIG. 10).

Alternatively, the tensioning line may be constrained in space by aninterior surface similar in shape to a figure “8” but having an openingat the point of junction of the two interior spaces, and gears placedalong adjacent thereto having teeth extending to within the open spacessuch that movement of the tensioning line in a figure 8 shape along theconstraining interior surface drives the gears due to pressure on theteeth (e.g., FIG. 10).

The following results show that a very small curvature in a sheetresults in substantially complete damping of the non preferred modes.Presented below are the results for C2-C9 which have variations in thelength of the folds in device C1 noted above. These oscillator deviceshad flaps at the center and ½ way from the center to each end (about at32, 65, 98 inches from the bottom of each sheet) of dimensions at thetrailing edge of 0.4, 0.5, and 0.4 inches, for C1, and flaps midwaybetween leading and trailing edges of ½ those values. Results for C1 toC9 are presented below. See FIG. 5. These results show the breadth ofsize of fold, and hence curvature, over which preferred oscillation inthe fundamental mode occurs, and other factors such as front edgeconcavity and tensioning line tension, upon oscillations.

C1: Fold sizes at trailing edge, in inches: 0.4; 0.5; 0.4. Fold sizesmidway between leading and trailing edge: 0.2; 0.25; 0.2. Results:Strong preferred oscillations; no non preferred oscillations.

C2: Fold sizes at trailing edge, in inches: 0.2; 0.25; 0.2. Fold sizesmidway between leading and trailing edge: 0.2; 0.25; 0.2. Results:Strong preferred oscillations. Some non preferred oscillations towardsthe trailing edge.

C3: Fold sizes at trailing edge, in inches: 0.0; 0.0; 0.0. Fold sizesmidway between leading and trailing edge: 0.2; 0.25; 0.2. Results:Strong preferred oscillations. Substantial non preferred oscillationstowards the trailing edge, and at a higher frequency than the preferredoscillations.

C4: Fold sizes at trailing edge, in inches: 0.8; 01.0; 0.8. Fold sizesmidway between leading and trailing edge: 0.2; 0.25; 0.2. Results:Leading edge under no tension slightly convex. Tension along leadingedge initially required to eliminate leading edge concavity and initiateoscillations. Without tension, device initially did not oscillate.During and after initial tension substantially removing leading edgeconcavity, device oscillated in the preferred fundamental modethroughout the sheet at low wind velocity (about 1-4 miles per hour). Athigher wind velocity, the leading and trailing edges each oscillated ina coherent manner, that is, along their respective entire lengths theyeach had a common phase and single frequency. However, the trailing edgeoscillated at a higher frequency than the leading edge. That is, theadditional tension or curvature along the trailing edge effectivelydecoupled the trailing edge from the leading edge such that two thereexisted two different modes of oscillation, one at the leading edge andone at the trailing edge. Both oscillations were strong. C5: Fold sizesat trailing edge, in inches: 0.8; 01.0; 0.8. Fold sizes midway betweenleading and trailing edge: 0.4; 0.5; 0.4. Results: Leading edge wasinitially concave. Initially, without any tension in the leading edge,device did not oscillate. After tension sufficient to substantiallyeliminate concavity in the leading edge, device oscillated only in thepreferred fundamental mode. Oscillations were very strong. Even whentension on the leading edge was relaxed before application of wind flow,application of wind flow resulted in oscillation.

C6: Fold sizes at trailing edge, in inches: 0.2; 0.25; 0.2. Fold sizesmidway between leading and trailing edge: 0.1; 0.125; 0.1. Results: Thetrailing edge exhibited coherent strong oscillations in a fundamentalmode. The leading edge exhibited only weak oscillations in the preferredfundamental mode; these oscillations depended upon tension in theleading edge; high tension in the leading edge resulted in minimaloscillations in the fundamental mode.

C7: Fold sizes at trailing edge, in inches: 0.2; 0.25; 0.2. Fold sizesmidway between leading and trailing edge: 0.1; 0.75; 0.1. Results: Hightension in the leading edge resulted in oscillations substantially inthe preferred fundamental mode, at all wind speeds. As tension waslowered, non preferred mode oscillations occurred at all wind speeds.

C8: Fold sizes at trailing edge, in inches: 0.5; 0.25; 0.5. Fold sizesmidway between leading and trailing edge: 0.1; 0.125; 0.1. Results:Trailing edge exhibited a coherent oscillation along its length, butthat oscillation was decoupled with the leading edge. Leading edge didnot exhibit substantial oscillations.

C9: Fold sizes at trailing edge, in inches: 0.0; 0.0; 0.0. Fold sizesmidway between leading and trailing edge: 0.0; 0.0; 0.0. Results: Asnoted above, no preferred fundamental mode oscillations. This deviceexhibited only aerodynamic flutter.

The foregoing C1-C9 results show that: oscillation in the preferredfundamental mode occurs when strain is induced into the middle andtrailing edge of a sheet; that oscillation in the preferred fundamentalmode occurs over a wide range of wind velocities and tensions in theleading edge; that structures in which oscillations in the fundamentalmode are most stable and occur over the widest ranges of wind velocitiesand leading edge tensions have the length of folded material increasinglinearly from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the sheet; thatthere is a minimum amount of strain required to induce oscillations inthe preferred fundamental mode; that strain along interior regions, notjust the trailing edge, is required to constrain non fundamental modeoscillations for sheets length along the air flow direction of greaterthan about 12 centimeters. It should be clear that additionalconstrained folds at additional locations to cause a more uniform strainin sheet, that is a strain caused by more than locations of constrainedfolds should result in more stability of oscillation in the preferredfundamental mode. It should be clear that similar strain will beeffective in inducing oscillations in the preferred fundamental mode inother fluids, such as water.

Curvature Ratio, CR, and Quantitative Characterization of Single ModeOscillations

The curvature of examples C1-C9 in which the sheets may be characterizedby ratios relating to the length reduction to the total length of theleading edge.

Define LEL, Leading Edge Length, to be the length of the leading edge ofthe curved sheet. For C1-C9, this is 130 inches.

Define Depth To Fold, DTF, to be the length from the leading edge of thesheet to the point line parallel to the leading edge where folds weremade.

Define Fold Length, FL, to be the total amount of length removed byfolds at the specified DTF.

Curvature of the C1-C9 examples is characterized by the Curvature Ratio,CR: CR=FL divided by the product of LEL and DTF, or CR=FL/(LEL timesDTF). CR has units of inverse length.

LEL is 130 inches in all cases. DTF is either 8 inches or 16 inches. Thevalues for CR indicate that when the same CR is the same for DTF=8inches and 16 inches, the oscillator oscillates in the preferred singlemode when CR is greater than about 0.0003 (For C6, CR=0.0003125; for C1,CR=0.000625; for C5, CR=0.00125; these are the examples in which CR didnot depend upon DTF). Completely single mode oscillations occurred whenCR was 0.0006 or greater (examples C1, C5).

For examples in which CR was different at DTF of 8 inches and 16 inches,the modes of oscillation at the leading edge and trailing edge tended tobe decoupled, so that dual mode oscillations occurred (C3, C4, and C8experienced decoupling). When CR=0 (lack of any curvature, example C9),only aerodynamic flutter (large numbers of modes of varying spatialfrequencies and no coherent oscillations) occurred.

Additional folds can be added at varying locations (varying distancesfrom the leading edge and at locations interspersed throughout thesheet) to induce curvature to avoid non preferred oscillations. Thefractional reduction in trailing edge length required to obtainoscillations in the preferred (fundamental) mode should scaleindependent of length of the sheet. That is, the total curvature betweenthe front edge and the back edge, and the total curvature between to topside and the bottom side, of the sheet, required to provide the desiredoscillation mode, should be independent of scale of the sheet.Accordingly, the C1 type of structure, and structure like C1 but havingvariations in the shape of the trailing edge, are scalable to arbitrarysizes. Both the length of the sheet along the fluid flow direction andthe length of the sheet perpendicular to the fluid flow direction may beincreased to provide for an increased oscillating tension in thetensioner, and the strength of the tensioner may be increased. Thesechanges should not increase the cutoff wind speed below whichoscillations in the preferred fundamental mode fail to occur, andincrease in sheet size may reduces the cutoff wind speed.

Alternatives

In water, due its higher density, and other liquids, the length of alongthe flow direction of the sheet can be much shorter that in air, toobtain the same total force on the sheet.

A small initial concavity to the leading edge may be desirable tocounter the effect of the tension due to curvature in the middle regionand trailing edge tending to deform the leading edge towards concavity.

Alternatives to the curved sheet incorporating rigid plate elements areshown in FIGS. 11-15 and now discussed.

Although not currently preferred, the same concept of curvature may beused in alternatives to sheet materials. For example, discrete rigidplates of various shapes (square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal),may be coupled to one another by flexible components, such as springs,wires, chains, or threads to form a composite surface having somecurvature but with enough flexibility (due to flexibility resulting fromthe springs, wires, chains, or threads) the for the curvature directionto invert under fluid flow along a leading edge. Use of rigid plates,whether of hard plastic, metal, crystalline or ceramic materials, andvery strong connectors there between (from the springs, wires, chains,or threads) may provide for a larger ultimate strength enablingoperation at higher fluid flow velocities than a flexible sheetincluding natural, carbon, or polymer fibers.

Alternatively, discrete rigid plates and regions of sheet may beintermixed. For example, discrete plates may be used in the leading edgeand sheets used to form a trailing edge. One possible advantage of thisdesign is that the trailing edge sheet may promote oscillation sinceflexible sheet is sensitive to low fluid flows resulting in aerodynamicflutter at low speeds, whereas a rigid plates in the high tension frontedge may provide a higher ultimate failure strength. Greater mass in therigid plates may slow down oscillations frequency in the preferredfundamental mode. In this type of structure, the line of tension be setback from the leading edge because the leading edge is rigid andtherefore will not deform and folder over in response to fluid flow, orbecome convex due to stress resulting from curvature in sheet materialbehind the leading edge. In addition, about an axis extending along theextended direction of a fixed wing are known to occur in response tofluid flow over the wing, for certain wing configurations. Correspondingoscillations occur in the foregoing structure resulting qualitatively inthe same type of periodic oscillation in tension along the tensionerline, and the same type location deviation along the two directionsperpendicular to the rotational axis of the fixed wing.

Alternatively, parallel curved sheets, each having similar design(dimensions, induced strains, and leading edge tension at zero fluidflow speed), may be coupled to one another, for example by ropes,threads, or strands, connecting to corresponding locations along theleading edge, or the trailing edge, or both, and at various places alongthe edges. These connecting ropes have an extension length approximatelyequal to the separation of the fixed points for each parallel sheet.Coupling induces the parallel curved sheets to oscillate in phase andfrequency, allowing combination of tensions in their tensioners into asingle line under the combined tension in which the tension in thissingle line oscillates with the combined tension of the individuallines.

Alternatively, plural sheets of similar design may all be coupled usinglinearly oscillating linkages to rotationally drive a single shaft inwhich the frequency, phase, and magnitudes of linear oscillations ofeach of the plural sheets can be different from one another. In thiscase, these linkages may intermittently coupleable to the single shafteach by a separate slip linkage. The slip linkage may for example use asaw tooth rack for each linear oscillation. The slip linked latching toan opposing teeth of a pinion only when the rack is moving faster in onedirection than the pinion teeth. When the pinion teeth are moving fasterthan the saw tooths of the rack no latching occurs and the pinion teethslip past the saw tooths.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures show aspects of the foregoing inventions. Likefeatures are described using the same reference numerals anddescriptors. Unless otherwise stated components shown in one embodimentare interchangeable with corresponding components providing the samegeneric function in another embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic overview of a novel device 1 forconverting fluid flow to useful energy;

FIG. 2A is an illustration relating to the device of FIG. 1 showingoscillation in the Y-Z plane of the preferred fundamental mode;

FIG. 2B, is an illustration showing oscillation in the X-Z plane of thepreferred fundamental mode of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustration in the X-Y plane at height along the zdirection of Z0, showing path of the tensioner 10 for the device of FIG.1 oscillating in the preferred fundamental mode;

FIG. 4 is an illustration relating to C1-C9 embodiments discussed above,showing their shape as would be seen in the Z-X plane of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates the C1-C9 embodiments showing location of foldsforming the constraints inducing curvature in the curved sheet;

FIG. 6A-C illustrates the half clam shell shape curvature of a curvedsheet of the invention, with views in the X-Y; X-Y; and X-Z planesrespectively;

FIG. 7 illustrates one novel mechanism used to convert linearoscillation of the tensioning line to electrical power;

FIG. 8 illustrates one mechanism used to convert linear oscillation ofthe tensioning line to electrical power;

FIG. 9 illustrates one novel mechanism used to convert linearoscillation of the tensioning line to rotary motion;

FIG. 10A illustrates one novel mechanism used to convert non-linearoscillation of the tensioning line to rotary motion;

FIG. 10B is an expanded view of the Detail 101 in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11 illustrates one novel mechanism used to convert linear motion ofa plurality of tensioning lines to rotary motion;

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative novel device for converting fluidflow to useful energy including a rigid plate and a relatively flexiblesheet;

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative novel device for converting fluidflow to useful energy including a rigid plate and a relatively flexiblesheet, wherein the tensioning line has as set back from the leading edgeof the rigid plate;

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative novel device for converting fluidflow to useful energy including two rigid plates and a relativelyflexible sheet;

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative novel device for converting fluidflow to useful energy including three rigid plates and a relativelyflexible sheet;

FIG. 16 illustrates tension sensitive latch for releasing one or bothends of a novel tensioned device in case of excessive fluid speed;

FIG. 17 illustrates an arrangement of a novel tensioned device having atensioner angled relative to the vertical direction;

FIG. 18 a and b illustrate a novel tensioned device in which curvaturein the sheet is imposed by tension applied to the tensioning line at theleading edge;

FIG. 19 illustrates a novel device including a novel tensioned device, aballoon or aerodynamic device, and a tensioning line extending toground, sea, river, or lake bed;

FIG. 20 illustrates fixed points defined by a constraint, such as apulley;

FIG. 21A is a plan view of a flat sheet having cut outs 21;

FIG. 21B is a plan view of the sheet of FIG. 21A with the edges ofcutouts joined to form a curved sheet;

FIG. 22 is a partial side sectional view of a novel alternative energyconversion device useful with any of the pulley couplings noted hereinabove;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of a novel energy conversion device forconverting linear motion in tensioner 10 into electrical energy;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a novel coaxial device 2400 forconverting fluid flow into electrical energy having the magnet of theelectrical generator exterior to the extending pole; and

FIG. 25 is perspective view of an alternative to the portion A-A of thenovel device of FIG. 24 having the magnet fo the electrical generatorinterior to the extending pole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 schematically shows a novel device 1 for converting fluid flow influid flow field 11, such as wind or water flow, to useful energy.Device 1 comprises a curved sheet structure 14 and energy converterdevice 30. Curved sheet structure 14 comprises tensioner or tensioningline 10 and curved sheet 20. Structure 40 provides constraints at bothends of tensioner 10 so that the ends of tensioner 10 are constrained tobe immobile at the two fixed points, P. X, Y, and Z axes alongperpendicular directions are shown for reference. Orientation of X, Y,and Z directions shown in FIG. 1 correspond to the X, Y, and Zdirections of the tensioner 10 and curved sheet 20, discussed in theremainder of the figures.

In operation fluid flow along X generates oscillations in the preferredfundamental mode in sheet 20 resulting in periodic oscillations of thesheet along Y, and periodic oscillations of the sheet along X, asindicated by two headed arrows. Tensioner 10 is coupled to energyconverter 30 which converts periodic oscillations in energy from thetensioner (either oscillations in the tension along the tensioner 10 orspatial oscillation of tensioner 10 along Y, and/or X directions) touseful output energy, Eout. Tensioner 10 is shown oriented along the Zdirection. However, tensioner 10 may be oriented along any particulardirection relative to the surface of the earth. Structure 40 may be anystructure fixing two points of tensioner 10 relative to one another. Oneexample is a pole. Other examples are a tree, the ground, and abuilding.

FIG. 2A illustrates the preferred mode of oscillations, in the Y-Zplane, showing positions of the tensioner 10. There is a single maximapoint at a height Z0 long the Z direction, and at Y equals Ymax, and asecond maxima point at Z0 and minus Ymax. The frequency of oscillationin the Y-Z plane is fo.

FIG. 2B illustrates the preferred mode oscillations in the X-Z plane.There is a single maxima long the Z direction, Xmax, at either end ofthe oscillations in the X-Z plane. The frequency of oscillation in theX-Z plane is 2 times fo, 2fo. The magnitude of oscillation in the X-Zplane (along the fluid flow direction) is smaller than in the Y-Z plane(perpendicular to the fluid flow direction).

FIG. 3 is an illustration in the X-Y plane at height along the zdirection of Zo. Zo is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to be a position alongtensioner 10 at which energy converter 30 resides. FIG. 3 shows a path31 in this Zo plane traversed by tensioner 10. Oscillation at twice thefrequency along x as along y results in a path forming two loops, ageneralized figure “8” shape.

FIG. 4 illustrates the C1-C9 embodiments discussed above. FIG. 4 showsconstraints 41,42,43, and 44. Constraints 41,44 indicate the two fixedpoints of the tensioner 10. C45 indicates the C structures noted above.Constraints 42, 43 indicate the fixing of the ends of the sheet alongthe leading edge of the sheet to the tensioner 10. Leading edge 50 isshown as linear. Trailing edge 60 is shown as arcuate with a convexshape. Passage 70 through which tensioner 10 extends is shown adjacentleading edge 50.

FIG. 5 shows duct tape pieces 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 providingcorresponding constraints. Each duct tape piece taping a pinched foldregions of curved sheet 10, and fold lines 57, 58, and 59. Preferably,pinched folds are constrained on both sides of the sheet, such as bytape stitching, or glue. As noted above fold lines may be replaced withcut out sections, preferably pie piece shaped sections, which are cutout, and then opposing edges sown or glued or tapes together, as shownin FIG. 21.

FIG. 6A-C illustrates the curved sheet with half claim shell shapedcurvature;

FIG. 6A shows an X-Y plan view with contour lines indicating heightabove the plane;

FIG. 6B shows an X-Z plan view of the curved sheet, with curvaturepointing upwards and to the left, with the convention that a curvaturevector points inward from a concave surface;

FIG. 6C shows an X-Z plan view of the curved sheet at different phase ofoscillation in the preferred fundamental mode than for FIG. 6B, and withcurvature pointing downwards and to the left;

FIG. 7 illustrates one novel mechanism used to convert linearoscillation of the tensioner line 10 to electrical power. This mechanismemploys a linkage rod 70 constrained at one end to the tensioner line 10at a height Zo above the lower fixed point of the tensioner 10. A loopor similar constraint 71 constrains one end of the rod in the X and Ydirections to move with the tensioner line 10. The tensioner drives thelinkage 70 which drives movement of magnet M near coils 72 which resultsin output voltage V.

FIG. 8 illustrates one mechanism used to convert linear oscillation ofthe tensioning line to electrical power. This mechanism uses a spring 80between fixed point P, magnet M, and tensioner 10. Spring 80 isconnected to the lower end of tensioner 10. Spring 80 provides tensionpulling tensioner 10 down. That tension is on average equal to tensionin tensioner 10 pulling tensioner 10 up. Oscillations in tension alongtensioner 10 caused by a fluid oscillator device (not shown) oscillatingin respond to fluid flow generates a periodic variation in tension intensioner 10. The periodic variation in tension drives magnet Mperiodically up and down. This generates electromotive force, V, in coil72. Constraint 81 preferably forming an aperture around tensioner 10prevents the portion of tensioner 10 below constraint 81 from moving inthe X or Y direction such that substantially only Z direction motionoccurs in magnet M and spring 80.

FIG. 9 illustrates one novel mechanism used to convert linearoscillation of the tensioning line 10 to rotary motion. This mechanismuses a rack 90 constrained by constraint 91 to so that it oscillatessubstantially linearly along the Y direction. In cross section, teeth 94of the rack 90 have one face either perpendicular to the extensiondirection of rack 90 or canted to lean over the base of the tooth, sothat face can latch to a corresponding tooth 92 of pinion 93, therebydriving the pinion to rotate. In cross section, teeth 94 of the rack 90have their other face canted in the same direction so that this otherface does not latch to teeth 92 when teeth 92 are moving faster alongthe Y direction than teeth 91. Optionally, means (not shown) may beprovided to push rack 90 down towards pinion 93 when rack 90 is movingto the left, and to push rack 90 up away from pinion 93 when rack 90 ismoving to the right.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates one novel mechanism used to convertnon-linear oscillation of the tensioning line to rotary motion.Constraint surface 100 forms an aperture through which tensioner 10passes. Constraint surface 100 forms a bilobal structure having twoapproximately circular or oval regions connecting through a neck region.When sheet 20 oscillates in the preferred fundamental mode with largeoscillation, tensioner 10 traverses path 31, and is constrained byconstraint surface 100. Above or below (or above and below) in the Zdirection from the constraint surface 100 reside geared pinions withteeth extending in the X-Y direction. The teeth extend above or belowthe constraint surface 100 to within the area delimited by theconstraint surface 100 such that the pinion teeth 92 reside in regionsof the path 31 traversed by the tensioner 10. Consequently, tensioner 10pushes against pinion teeth 92 thereby rotating the pinions 93, astensioner 10 traverses path 31. FIG. 10B is an enlarged viewillustrating a portion of the path 31, tensioner 10, constraint surface100, pinion 93, and pinion teeth 92.

FIG. 11 illustrates one novel mechanism used to convert linear motion ofa plurality of tensioning lines to rotary motion. This mechanismincludes a plurality of the saw toothed rack 90 and pinion 93 mechanismsof FIG. 9 each of which is coupled to a different fluid oscillatingdevice for converting fluid flow to useful energy. All of the pinions 93are coupled to a single rotating shaft 110. FIG. 11 shows two racks andpinion devices. More than two are contemplated. It should be apparentthat a large number of out of fluid flow oscillators will result in asubstantially constant torque on the rotating shaft, due to lack ofphase locking of the fluid flow oscillators, which is advantageous.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative novel device for converting fluidflow to useful energy including a rigid plate 120 and a relativelyflexible sheet 121. Plate 120 forms the leading edge and sheet 121defines the trailing edge of this fluid flow converter. Plate 120 doesnot deform substantially. Plate 120 may be formed from wood, hardplastic, metal, ceramic, a composite or any other equivalently rigidmaterial. Sheet 121 may be curved as noted above for sheets of the otherfluid flow converters. In this embodiment, tensioner line 10 may consistof two pieces, one each extending from either upper and lower leadingedge of plate 120 to a fixed point or energy conversion device 30.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative novel device for converting fluidflow to useful energy including a rigid plate 120 and a relativelyflexible sheet 121. In this embodiment, a tensioning line connects at aset back location 130 from the leading edge of the rigid plate.Existence of the set back enables rigid plate 120 to rotatesubstantially about the tensioning line, thereby inducing oscillationsin X and Y directions, and an oscillatory tension in tensioner 10. Inthis embodiment, tensioner 10 may consist of two pieces, one extendingfrom each of the upper and lower set backs 130 of rigid plate 120 to afixed point or energy conversion device 30. Sheet 121 may be curved asnoted above for sheets of the other fluid flow converters

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative novel device for converting fluidflow to useful energy including two rigid plates 141, 142, havingleading surfaces defining the leading edge of the fluid flow oscillator,trailing surfaces of the rigid plates connected to a leading edge of arelatively flexible sheet defining the trailing edge of the fluid flowoscillator. Plates 141, 142 may be constrained by constraint 143 by aline (rope, string, chain, etc) or a spring, to couple them such thatthey define strongly coupled oscillations. Sheet 121 may be curved asnoted above for sheets of the other fluid flow converters

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative novel device similar to that of FIG.14 but including 3 plates 151, 152, and 153. More coupled rigid plates,even or odd in number, are envisioned.

FIG. 16 illustrates tension sensitive latch (160, 161) for releasingfrom constraints one or both ends of the tensioner 10 of the curvedsheet structure 14. This provides safety against excessive fluid speedinduced forces that could otherwise cause structural damage. The tensionsensitive latch may include a spring velcro, or the like, that releasesupon application of tension above a determined value. Tensioner line 10may include an extension passing through a loop adjacent latch 160 sothat pulling the tensioner 10 raises the latch 160 back to position andengages the latch to reset fixing of tensioner 10 at upper fixed pointP.

FIG. 17 illustrates an arrangement of a novel device with tensioner 10angled relative to the vertical direction V by angle Theta. The curvedsheet 20 and related fluid flow conversion devices described herein mayhave their tensioner line at any angle relative to the vertical, fromzero to 90 degrees. The tensioner 10 is to vertical, the less sensitivethe fluid flow oscillator is to fluid flow directions parallel to thesurface of the earth. Accordingly, a vertical or nearly verticaltensioner line 10 is preferred.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a novel tensioned device in which curvaturein the sheet is imposed by tension applied to the tensioning line at theleading edge. In this device tensioner 10 is constrained at constraints181, 182, 183, 184 to portions of sheet 20 near the leading edge ofsheet 20. Tensioner 10 includes slack regions 185, 186, 187, 188 betweenthe constrained portions 181, 182, 183, 184. FIG. 18B shows tensionapplied to tensioner 10 expanding slack regions 185, 186, 187, 188. Thiscauses expansive stress to leading edge 50 lengthening leading edge 50relative to trailing edge 60. This causes strain in the remainder ofsheet 20 resulting in curvature in both X and Z directions.

FIG. 19 illustrates a novel device including a novel fluid oscillatordevice 190, balloon, glider, or other aerodynamic device 191, andtensioning line 192 for energy in converting fluid flow 11. Tensioningline 192 extends to ground, sea bed, river bed, or lake bed. Device 190includes a relatively rigid “C” shaped structure 194 providing fixedpoints P1, P2, tensioner 10, and curved sheet 20 between points P1, P2.As sheet 20 oscillates in the preferred fundamental mode, it sendstraveling waves down tensioning line 192 which provide both oscillatingtension and traveling wave motion of line 192. Energy converter 30converts the energy in the traveling waves to Eout in one of the samemanner as noted herein above or described in the publicationsincorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 20 illustrates a constraint in the motion of tensioner 10, such asa pulley 200, at point P1. Pulley 200 may be fixed at P1 relative to Xand Y directions which prevents tensioner 10 at pulley 200 from movingin X and Y directions. Flexible structure such as a spring betweenpulley 200 and fixed point P2 allow tensioner 10 to oscillate inresponse to oscillations in tension, and thereby rotate pulley 200.

FIG. 21A is a plan view of a flat sheet having cut outs 21;

FIG. 21B is a plan view of the sheet of FIG. 21A with the edges ofcutouts joined to form a curved sheet;

FIG. 21A illustrates a sheet 20 excluding cut outs 21 defining cut outedges 22.

FIG. 21B illustrates the cut out edges of each cutout of the sheet ofFIG. 21A joined at joints 23 resulting in a curved sheet 20C. Curvatureis out of the plane of the figure.

FIG. 22 shows an alternative energy conversion device for convertingmotion in tensioner 10 to output voltage or electrical energy V. FIG. 22shows tensioner 10 configured to rotate pulley 200. Pulley 200 hasmagnet M affixed to it so that when pulley 200 rotates magnet 10provides changes in magnet field cutting coils 72, thereby inducingvoltage V. Coil 72 may be placed parallel to the axis of rotation ofpulley 200 so that the ends N, S, of the magnet M, pass by the axis ofcoil 72. Alternatively, the axle of pulley 200 may extend away from thegroove in the pulley and magnet M may be mounted thereto and coil 72located nearby.

FIG. 23 shows an energy conversion device for converting linear motionin tensioner 10 into electrical energy. This device includes a spring 80fixed at one end to immovable point P, and connecting at the other endto a line (rigid rod or flexible rope) 2301 which connects via suitablecoupler to one end of magnet M. The other end of magnet M is connectedvia a suitable coupler to tensioner 10. Spring 80 has expanded position80B and contracted position 80A. As spring 80 changes from expanded tocontracted positions, magnet M traverses the space 2302 between coils72. Plural coils are coaxially aligned around space 2302. Each coil hasterminals connected to a separate rectifier circuit 2302, such as a fullwave bridge rectifier circuit, or a active field effect transistorrectifier circuit. Output of all rectifier circuits are connectedresulting in output voltage V. This configuration takes advantage of theextrema in voltage response of each coil when the magnet is positionednear the face of each coil.

FIG. 24 shows is a perspective view of a novel coaxial device 2400 whichincludes the curved sheet structure 14 comprising tensioner 10 andcurved sheet 20. The top end of tensioner 10 is looped about a reduceddiameter portion of pole 2401 at the to thereof. Annular ring 2403 isfixed to pole 2401 at a fixed height. Annular ring 2405 is joined tosheath 2406. Magnet M is constrained inside a cavity of the hub portionat the lower end of sheath 2406. Annular ring 2405, sheath 2406, andmagnet M are all annular and are disposed around pole 2401, and are notrigidly fixed to pole 2401. A top end of spring 2404 is secured to ring2403. A bottom end of spring 2404 is secured to ring 2405. The bottomend of tensioner 10 is secured to ring 2405 or sheath 2406. Coils 72reside outside of the lower portion of pole 2401. In operation, curvedsheet structure 14 oscillates causing oscillating force on ring 2405 inthe vertical direction. This drives ring 2405, sheath 2406, and magnet Mup and down along pole 2401. As magnet M oscillates, it induces voltageVout in coil 72. A benefit of this geometry is that the oscillator canrotate around the axis of the pole, following changes in direction ofthe fluid flow field 11.

FIG. 25 shows an alternative to the region M-M in FIG. 24 in which themagnet M resides inside a hollow in the pole 2401. In this alternative,pole 2401 is hollow. Annular ring 2405 is replaced by annular ring2405A, which comprises magnetic material. Dumbbell shaped internalcontainer 2501 comprises a first magnet, M, whose magnetic attraction toannular ring 2405A retains it in position inside of ring 2501, adjacentring 2405A. Container 2501 is shaped so that it retains the lowermagnet, M, inside pole 2401 and near coils 72. When ring 2405Aoscillates up and down, so does the lower magnet, M, thereby inducingvoltage Vout in coil 72. This alternative does not require an annularmagnet on the outside of pole 2401.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fluid flow oscillator device comprising:a curved sheet structure comprising a curved sheet and a tensioner,wherein said tensioner extends along a leading edge of said curvedsheet; wherein said curved sheet defines a curved sheet first majorsurface and a curved sheet second major surface, said curved sheet firstmajor surface opposes said curved sheet second major surface; whereincurved sheet first major surface direction of curvature of substantiallyall of said curved sheet first major surface points either outward fromsaid curved sheet first major surface away from said curved sheet, orinward from said curved sheet first major surface into said curvedsheet; and wherein direction of curvature of substantially all of saidcurved sheet second major surface is the same as said curved sheet firstmajor surface direction of curvature.
 2. The device of claim 1 whereinsaid tensioner is under tension.
 3. The device of claim 1 whereinCurvature Ratio, CR, of said curved sheet, is non zero, and issubstantially independent of distance from said leading edge.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein Curvature Ratio, CR, of said curved sheet, isgreater than 0.0003 inverse inches at all distances from the leadingedge.
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising: an energy conversiondevice; and wherein said energy conversion device comprises a couplercoupling to said tensioner that results in movement of said coupler inresponse to change in tension in said tensioner.
 6. The device of claim5 wherein said tensioner is under tension.
 7. The device of claim 1wherein curvature of substantially all of said curved sheet first majorsurface periodically inverts during oscillation, such that: curvature ofsubstantially all of said curved sheet first major surface pointsoutward from said curved sheet first major surface away from said curvedsheet, at one phase of oscillation, and curvature of substantially allof said curved sheet first major surface points inward into said curvedsheet first major surface away from said curved sheet, at another phaseof oscillation.
 8. The device of claim 5 wherein Curvature Ratio, CR, ofsaid curved sheet, is greater than 0.0003 inverse inches at alldistances from the leading edge.
 9. The device of claim 5 wherein saidtensioner has an extended direction which defines a direction oftension; and wherein said coupler is coupled to the direction of tensionin said tensioner and thereby moves generally parallel to the directionof tension in the tensioner when said oscillator device oscillates. 10.The device of claim 5 wherein said tensioner has an end fixed to animmovable point and said coupler is coupled to said tensioner closer tosaid immovable point than a center of said curved sheet.
 11. The deviceof claim 5 wherein said energy conversion device comprises a magnet, aplurality of coils, and a plurality of rectifiers, wherein the pluralityof coils are aligned along an axis, wherein each one of the plurality ofcoils is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of rectifiers,and outputs of all the plurality of rectifiers are connected to oneanother.
 12. The device of claim 5 wherein said energy conversion devicecomprises a pole, a first annular ring, a spring, a magnet, and a coil,wherein said first annular ring rings said pole and is fixed to saidpole, said spring has a first end fixed to said first annular ring andwinds around said pole, and movement of said spring results in movementof said magnet along the axis of said pole which induces voltage in saidcoil.
 13. The device of claim 12 wherein said magnet is disposed insideof a hollow in said pole.
 14. The device of claim 1 wherein said curvedsheet structure has said direction of curvature of substantially all ofsaid curved sheet first major surface and said curved sheet second majorsurface in the absence of all external forces.
 15. The device of claim1: wherein said tensioner extends between two points and is undertension between said two points; and wherein, when said curved sheetstructure is exposed to a fluid flow field having a flow directionperpendicular to a line extending between said two points, said curvedsheet structure oscillates.
 16. The device of claim 1: wherein saidtensioner extends between two points and is under tension between saidtwo points; wherein a line extending between said two points defines afirst direction; and wherein, when said curved sheet structure isexposed to a fluid flow field having flow in a second directionperpendicular said first direction, a leading edge of said curved sheetoscillates in at least a third direction perpendicular to both saidfirst direction and said second direction, such that, at one time, allof said leading edge is displaced in the third direction to a first sideof the line extending through the two fixed points, and at another time,all of said leading edge is displaced in the third direction to a secondside of the line extending through the two points, said second sidebeing on an opposite side of said line from said first side.
 17. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein said curved sheet structure comprises polymermaterial that has Young's modulus in the range of about 0.01 to 10.0Giga Pascals.
 18. The device of claim 1 wherein said tensioner eithercomprises rope, cable, chain, or single fiber.
 19. The device of claim 1wherein said leading edge is mechanically coupled to said tensioner. 20.The device of claim 1 wherein said tensioner extends along the entiretyof said leading edge of said curved sheet; and wherein said tensioner ismechanically coupled to said leading edge of said curved sheet along theentirety length of said leading edge of said curved sheet.